Chelsea are set to enter the race to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to Fichajes.net.

Manchester United were believed to be strong favourites to secure the forward‘s signature but the Spanish rumour mongers claim that the Blues will “try to torpedo” their rival’s attempts to snap up the Dane.

Hojlund’s reputation is growing fast. He only joined Atalanta last summer but he has begun to turn heads with his performances, especially at international level, having scored six goals in his last four matches for his country.

Fichajes report that the 20-year-old could cost €50m (£43m), although a bidding war between Chelsea and United could increase the asking price.

A new number nine is a top priority for Pochettino

At the moment, the Blues could enter next season with Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja as their only first-team forwards. Romelu Lukaku is not expected to remain at Stamford Bridge, while Joao Felix has returned to Atletico Madrid after his loan spell.

With Kai Havertz having been sold to Arsenal, David Datro Fofana set to join Union Berlin and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang attracting interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittifaq, manager Mauricio Pochettino could have very few options to choose from up front.

Chelsea may find it hard to persuade Hojlund

While the Blues appear to be keen on signing the Danish international, they are very much underdogs in the battle for his signature, due to the fact that the player has already declared he is a Manchester United fan. It should be pointed out, though, that when he revealed his allegiance earlier this year, he didn’t rule out a transfer to another team:

“I won’t hide the fact that I’m a huge Manchester United fan. So personally, it’d be one of the biggest things for me [moving to Old Trafford]. Of course, that doesn’t mean that I’d turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point.”

That could mean that, if Chelsea manage to outbid United for the striker, there is still a decent chance that he would agree a move to London.